Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 97

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1540

USA > Pennsylvania > Washington County > Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families > Part 97

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R OBERT EMERY, one of the most re- spected retired agriculturists of Amwell township, was born April 5, 1807, in Can- onsburg, Washington Co., Pennsylvania ..

The first of his ancestors to land in America was the grandfather, Thomas Emery, a

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native of the Emerald Isle, who, with his family, im- migrated to eastern Pennsylvania about 1771. He remained there several years, and finally removing to Washington county, made his permanent home near Canonsburg. The children born to this pio- neer were as follows: Joshua, Walter, Phinney, Jeremiah, Mrs. Nancy Clark and Mrs. Martha Jamison.

Joshua Emery, father of Robert, in early youth learned the shoemaker's trade, and locating in Can- onsburg, Washington county, followed the busi- ness for several years, at the same time acting as riding constable for Washington county. About 1800 he opened a well-known tavern in Canons- burg. He was married to a daughter of John McGowen, and she bore him the following chil- dren: Boyd, Robert, Matthew, Mrs. Nancy Anthony, Mrs. Ann Hurst (afterward Mrs. Dr. Herriott), Mary (wife of Mr. Brown, of Valparaiso, Ind.), Phinney, Thomas, Gibbs and Mrs. Martha Pierce, of whom Robert, Ann, Mary and Martha are yet living.

Robert Emery lived in Canonsburg, Washing- ton Co., Penn., until 1835, when he removed to Strabane township, and in 1844 located on the present home of the family in Amwell township. In 1836 he was united in marriage with Lucinda Workman, who was born May 15, 1814, a daugh- ter of Robert and Rebecca Workman. Mr. and Mrs. Emery have been blessed with the following children: Boyd, born July 17, 1837; Mary Jane, born August 3, 1839; Georgie Ann, born October 21, 1841 (now deceased); James K., born August 21, 1844, and William, born April 4, 1856 (now deceased).

Boyd Emery, the eldest son of Robert and Lucinda (Workman) Emery, was married Novem- ber 26, 1863, to Martha H. Thomas, and their children are William S., born August 19, 1864, died November 14, 1879; Harriet L., born Novem- ber 30, 1867, wife of John C. McCoy, and James W., born February 2, 1870. Boyd Emery has been auditor of Amwell township fifteen consecu- tive years, and his services have been eminently satisfactory to all. He and his father own a nice farm situated two and a half miles from the borough of Washington, where they are very suc- cessfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. The family are all members of the Disciple (or Chris- tian) Church, and are honest, upright people, serving their Creator in their daily lives, as well as by their profession of faith.

W ILLIAM H. PRY, a successful young agriculturist of Cross Creek township, is a son of Abraham Pry, whose father was a native of Virginia, and was married in that State to a Miss Barnes. The children born to

their union were John, Abraham, William L., Eliza (Mrs. John Powelson) and Elizabeth (Mrs. Samuel Pascal, of Cross Creek township). The father was a Democrat in politics.

Abraham Pry was born November 10, 1813, in Hampshire county, W. Va. The father died when Abraham was but four years of age, and the child was left to struggle through the perplexities of boyhood unaided, but he secured an education by dint of perseverance and energy, and when about twenty-two years of age came to Washington coun- ty, settling in Cross Creek township. He was there married to Rachel, daughter of David Mc- Clurg, of Cross Creek township, and they settled on the farm where they are yet living. The fol- lowing children have been born to their union: David M., Catherine J. (deceased), John W., Will- iam H. and Joseph M. (twins, the latter of whom is deceased), Abraham, Cynthia J. (deceased), Anna M. (deceased), Ambrose (living in Iowa) and Francis H. The father of this family was orig- inally a Democrat, then a Whig, finally uniting with the Republican party, whose principles he now supports. He attends the Cross Creek Pres- byterian Church, contributing liberally to its main- tenance.

William H. Pry was born September 11, 1847, on the old homestead of the Pry family, situated half a mile south of Cross Creek village. His boy- hood was passed in attending the common schools and assisting on the farm. On October 7, 1869, he was united in marriage with Miss E. J. McFar- land, who was born in 1851, daughter of Andrew McFarland, of Cross Creek township, this county, a tailor by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Pry began their wedded life in Cross Creek village, and remained there twelve years, Mr. Pry meanwhile assisting his father on the farm. He then moved to the farm where he is now living, having erected a fine home and out-buildings upon the place. They have three children: an infant, born in October, 1870; Luella Belle, born February 8, 1874; and Mary R., born March 15, 1879. Of these children, Luella Belle is married to Elza M. Dowler, a prom- ising young farmer of Cross Creek township, and an estimable young man. In politics Mr. Pry has followed in the footsteps of his forefathers, and votes the Republican ticket.

OHN MORGAN SHARP is one of the lead- ing and influential agriculturists of Cross Creek township, and owns an extensive and valuable tract of land, which yields him a large annual profit. He is a son of John F. Sharp, whose father's name was also John.

John Sharp (the grandfather of subject) was born January 1, 1774, in New Jersey, where his boyhood was passed, afterward moving to Fayette

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county, Penn. On January 26, 1797, he was wedded in Pennsylvania to Miss Hannah Freeman, who was born March 26, 1778, and after marriage they made their first home on a farm in Fayette county, where four children were born to them, namely: Mary (wife of James Gardener, of West Virginia), born November 17, 1797; John F., born February 20, 1801; Levi, born July 1, 1804, and Ruth (wife of Samuel Gardener, near Eldersville), born August 18, 1806. Afterward the family moved to Washington county, Penn., settling on a farm near Eldersville, where the rest of their chil- dren were born, as follows: Edmund (living in Sharptown, Ind.), born November 18, 1808; Sarah (married to Alexander Walker, of Jefferson town- ship, this county), born May 2, 1811; Jane (wife of John Steene, residing near Eldersville, this county), born July 14, 1813; Hannah (married to John Wheeler, a tailor of Jefferson township, this county), born March 9, 1817, and Elizabeth (Mrs. John Stephenson, also of Jefferson township), born March 23, 1819. John Sharp died September 11, 1860, having been preceded by his wife, Hannah, July 26, 1838, and both are buried in Cross Creek graveyard.

John F. Sharp was seven years of age when he came to Washington county with his parents. About 1826 he was united in marriage in West Virginia, near Steubenville, Ohio, with Miss Nar- cissa Atkinson, daughter of Thomas Atkinson, and settled on a farm which he purchased from his father, and upon which they lived over sixty years. The children born to this marriage were Eliza J. (Mrs. Nathaniel Halley, of Owen county, Ind.), born December 18, 1827, Thomas A., born May 14, 1829 (married to Olivia Walker, daughter of James Walker, of Jefferson township), Absalom, born March 3, 1831 (married to Lucinda Stephens, and living in Indiana), Hannah A., born March 18, 1834 (wife of J. G. Walker, son of James Walker, of Jefferson township), John M. (whose name opens this sketch), Harriet N., born April 3, 1843, died July 13, 1844, and Sarah M., born June 28, 1846, died February 11, 1850, both of whom were buried in Cross Creek graveyard. The mother of these children passed from earth January 10, 1847, and was laid to rest in Cross Creek graveyard. Mr. Sharp was afterward married to Maria Price, of Perry county, Ohio, to which union three children were born: Mary E. (wife of W. D. Mckay), born May 30, 1850; Clara R. (wife of Thomas Lindsey, of Steubenville, Ohio), and Ella S. (married to John M. Russell, of Smith township, this county). John F. Sharp died December 19, 1887, and was buried in Cross Creek graveyard.

John Morgan Sharp was born March 7, 1838, on the home farm in Cross Creek township, where his youth was passed. On December 22, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah M.

Virtue, of Cross Creek township, who was born January 23, 1842, daughter of James and Mary Virtue. William Virtue, father of James, came from Ireland in pioneer days. To the union of John Morgan and Sarah M. Sharp the following children have been born: John Freeman, born March 18, 1861; Mary B., born July 12, 1863 (wife of Charles W. Scott, residing near Bethel Church, Jefferson township); Flora A., born Au- gust 5, 1865; Hattie May, born December 6, 1868; Jessie Leola, born March 14, 1876, and Jennie E., born October 20, 1880. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sharp resided for twenty years on a farm in the vicinity, belonging to his father, when, upon the death of his father, Mr. Sharp moved to the old home farm near his former residence, and has since remained on the homestead, which he pur- chased under authority of his father's will at $66 per acre, at which it was appraised. He carried on an extensive agricultural business, making a specialty of sheep raising, and now owns 223 acres of land, also an interest in 550 acres of his father's estate. In politics he follows the example of his forefathers, voting the straight Democratic ticket, and he has held various offices of trust in his town- ship. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church in Cross Creek village. He is one of the original stockholders, incorporators and directors in "The Cross Creek Cemetery Company."

OHN W. REED, a prominent and influential agriculturist of East Pike Run township, is a grandson of Samuel and Maria J. Reed, who lived in Allegheny county, Penn., the grandfather dying in December, 1869, in his eighty-seventh year, the grandmother at the age of about seventy-five years.

Thomas R. Reed, the eldest son of Samuel and Maria J. Reed, was born Qctober 31, 1816, and in early life learned the trade of blacksmith, at which he is still working. On September 6, 1838, he was married to Mary Ann Pyle, who was eighteen years old at the time, and to this union were born children as follows: Joseph F., born October 11, 1839, by trade a blacksmith; Samuel H., born March 25, 1841, following carpentry; John W., born February 6, 1843; William E., born Decem- ber 5, 1844; Boyd E., born April 30, 1846, a blacksmith by trade; James W., born July 6, 1848, by occupation a plasterer and contractor; Thomas Roland, born June 3, 1850, died March 21, 1866; Maria E., born May 21, 1852; Mary J., born September 17, 1854, died March 10, 1855, Albenah A., born March 20, 1856; Cyrus S., born February 20, 1858, now a blacksmith; Ida M., born February 18, 1860; and Alfred F., born July 19, 1862, also a blacksmith. The mother of this family died October 30, 1878. The father now

John W. Reed

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lives in Irwin, Westmoreland Co., Penn. He votes with the Democratic party, and for twenty years was a justice of the peace at Allenport, Washington Co., Penn .; in religious faith he is a member of the Baptist Church.

John W. Reed was reared to manhood in the town of Allenport (now Independence), where his early education was received. He then learned blacksmithing and boiler making, which trades he followed until purchasing the farm. In November, 1865, he was married to Sarah A. Wilson, adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Stroud, both de- ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were the parents of five children, viz .: Charles, residing in Belle Ver- non, Fayette county; Emily, wife of Joseph Eller, of Belle Vernon, Fayette county; Mary J., married to Nathan Werrell, of Fayette county; Jemima, wife of Abraham Tinley, of Bentleyville, Washing- ton county, and Sarah A. (Mrs. Reed), Mr. and Mrs. Reed reside on the home farm of 116 acres, located two miles southeast of Coal Centre, Penn. During 1862-63 he worked in the navy yard at Pittsburgh. He and his wife are members of the Ebenezer M. E. Church. In politics Mr. Reed affiliates with the Democratic party, is interested in the progress and welfare of his community, and has served as school director. He is one of the directors of the California National Bank. His house and surroundings are a credit to the owner, and place him among the thrifty and progressive men of the county. Mr. Reed has resided upon his present home since 1890.

B. KAHL, son of J. D. Kahl, a native of Adams county, Penn., was born September 26, 1855, the eldest of his father's family. He was educated in the schools of California, this county, and taught for seven years. On December 29, 1881, he was married to Jeanette L., daughter of David, and granddaughter of Robert Clark. The latter was born in 1784, in Pennsyl- vania, and married Jeanette Paxton, who also was born in 1784. They settled in Nottingham township, where children were born as follows: Margaret, born in 1806, died in 1853 (married in 1836 to John Preston); Jane, born in 1808, died in 1853 (married in 1843 to Adam Morrow); Andrew, born in 1810, died in 1874; Robert, born in 1812, died in 1892 (married in 1844 to Margaret McIlvaine); Paxton, born in 1814, died in 1838; John B., born in 1816, died in 1833; Harriet, born in 1818, died in 1841 (married in 1841 to Samuel Morrison); Eliza, born in 1820 (married in 1843 to John Mor- rison), living in Virginia; Sarah, born in 1822, died in 1882 (married in 1846 to F. C. Morrison); Cas- endana, born in 1823 (married in 1846 to David Aiken), living in Washington, D. C., and David, of whom further mention is made. The mother of

this family died in 1866, having been preceded by the father in 1850.

David Clark, youngest son of Robert and Jean- ette (Paxton) Clark, was born in 1824. In 1854 he was united in marriage with Julia A. Lyda, who was born in 1832 in this county. He was a farm- er, and in 1862 enlisted in Company D, P. V., Ringgold Battalion. He returned home in June, 1863, and died in July of the same year, leaving two children: Frank and Jeanette L. (Mrs. Kahl).

To the marriage of J. B. and Jeanette L. (Clark) Kahl one son has been born: Maunice C.

J OHN WELCH was born January 12, 1800, near McConnell's Mill, this county. Little else is known of his parents' history except that they were Scotch emigrants, and became pioneer settlers of Washington county. After the death of his father, which occurred when he was a small boy, John Welch went to live with a brother, Robert. In 1821 he was married to Elizabeth Woodburn, who was born in 1802, daughter of Thomas W. Woodburn, and to their union children were born as follows: Mary (Mrs. - Walter Denny, of Independence township); James M .; Margaret (widow of Capt. John F. Beatty, of Carrollton, Ohio); Jane (Mrs. Thomas Harsha); John D. (a farmer of Harrison county, Ohio); Elizabeth (wife of W. G. Fee, of Cherokee, Iowa); Robert C. (de- ceased, a U. P. minister); Sarah Ann (Mrs. Will- iam Cockins, of Los Angeles, Cal.), and Thomas (deceased). During his married life Mr. Welch resided in Chartiers township, engaged in farming and stock raising. Politically he was formerly a Whig, and then a Republican, taking an active part in the abolition of slavery. He died in 1870, and was joined by his wife in 1873.

James M. Welch, one of the successful farmers of Independence township, who has retired from active life, was born October 2, 1823, in Chartiers township, on the home farm. He attended the common schools, and assisted with the farm work until twenty-one years of age, when, becoming dis- contented at home, he purchased and located on a piece of land, his sister acting as his housekeeper. He afterward sold this property at a profit, and re- turned to the home farm. On April 14, 1853, he was married to Jane Lee, who was born March 23, 1828, daughter of John and Mary (Park) Lee, and they have had the following children : Willard Lee, John S. (who died in infancy), Melissa J. (deceased), Joseph A. (mentioned below), Annie (Mrs. Finley Liggett, of Walurba, Penn.), Laura May (living at home), Mary W. (deceased in youth) and Lizzie M. (who died in youth). After his marriage, Mr. Welch resided eleven years near the home farm in Chartiers township, and in 1864 purchased the "Old Garrett"' farm, lying in the eastern central portion

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of Independence township, upon which he resided until 1890, when he purchased an adjoining tract on the western side, where he is now living a re- tired life. By dint of energy and perseverance, Mr. Welch now owns over 325 acres of land in In- dependence township, and has been greatly as- sisted by his faithful wife, who has been for several years a sufferer from rheumatism. Mr. Welch has also failed in health. Politically he was first a Whig, and now votes the Republican ticket. Both he and his wife are members of the Mt. Hope U. P. Church.

WILLARD LEE WELCH, eldest son of James M. and Jane (Lee) Welch, was born January 11, 1854, on the home farm in Chartiers township. He received a common-school education, and afterward at- tended Canonsburg Academy, and the Curry In- stitute, of Pittsburgh, Penn. On September 27, 1881, he was united in marriage with Hattie Gour- ley, who was born July 4, 1859, a native of Brooke county, W. Va., daughter of James M. and Cath- erine (Walker) Gourley. After his marriage Mr. Welch located on the " Andrew Ralston " farm, in the eastern part of Independence township, and has since worked upon that place, which adjoins the home of his father and brother. His farm is one of the best in the township, and he has erected a fine dwelling and other buildings upon it. In politics he was formerly a Republican, but is now a stanch member of the Prohibition party. He and his wife are members of the Mt. Hope Church, in which he is an elder.

Joseph A. Welch, a brother of Willard Lee, was born January 14, 1859, in Chartiers township, where he lived five years, and then came with his parents to Independence township, locating on the place he now owns. He received a common-school education, and worked on the farm. On Septem- ber 25, 1890, he was married to Mary B. McNary, who was born November 29, 1865, daughter of ex- county commissioner McNary, of Cross Creek town- ship. He then located on the home farm, his par- ents moving to one adjoining it, and now deals extensively in stock. Politically he is a Repub- lican. He and his wife are members of the Mt. Hope U. P. Church.

K. BEDALL, son of Jacob, and grandson of James Bedall, is a native of Washington county, Penn. James Bedall was born and reared in eastern Pennsylvania, where he was married to Elizabeth Moller. They came to Washington county many years ago, and locating in Fallowfield township, died on the old homestead.

Jacob Bedall, son of James and Elizabeth, was born in 1809, on the old place in Fallowfield town- ship, Washington Co., Penn. He always resided on the home farm, to which he brought his bride,

Miss Eleanor Morton, a native of the same place. She died in 1862, leaving five children, of whom J. K. (the third son) is the only one yet living. After the death of his first wife Jacob Bedall was married to Miss Morton, and for his third choice selected Eliza Jane, daughter of John and Phoebe Richards, early settlers of Washington county. In politics Mr. Bedall was a Whig and Republican, and in religious faith a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. He died in November, 1887.

J. K. Bedall was born July 1, 1854, on his present farm in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Penn., and attended the district schools of the vicinity. On April 14, 1892, he was united in marriage with Anna Eller, daughter of Joseph and Emily (Wilson) Eller, all of whom were residents of Belle Vernon, Fayette Co., Penn. Mrs. Bedall is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; in political opinion Mr. Bedall is an advocate of the principles embodied in the Republican party.

OHN HORN, a worthy representative of one of the oldest families of West Bethlehem township, is a son of Adam Horn, who was a son of John Horn, Sr., who was a son of Christopher Horn, who was the first of the name to locate in West Bethlehem township.

On February 28, 1785, Christopher Horn patented 340 acres of land on Ten-Mile creek, which he named "Ballimore." [The original patent for this land is now in the possession of John Horn, the subject of this sketch.] Here he located, cleared and improved the land, and the old home he erected, built of logs and slabs, is still standing, considered to be the oldest house in the township. By trade he was a blacksmith, and he made all the nails, hinges, etc., used in the con- struction of the building. He had two children, John and Jacob, between whom his property was divided at his death. Of these John was born and grew to manhood on his father's tract, his educa- tion being such as the period afforded. In his youth he married a Miss Barbara Young, by whom he had nine children, viz .: Jacob, John, Chris- topher, Jr., David, Adam, Samuel, Mary, Elizabeth and Catherine, all now deceased except Samuel, who is a farmer of Greene county, Penn. The mother of this family dying, the father subse- quently married Mary Shape, and the children by this union were: Susanna, Lydia, Leah, Joel and Joshua, all yet living except Susanna.

Adam Horn, father of John Horn, the subject of this sketch, was born on this original tract of land, and his boyhood was passed in assisting his father in tilling the soil, and in obtaining such an education as the subscription schools of that day afforded. In his youth he learned the trade of a cooper, at which he was employed for a time, but

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abandoning this occupation he turned his attention to farming and stock raising, at which he was suc- cessful and prosperous. He purchased the farm now owned by his son J. M. Horn, and erected thereon a large and elegant frame residence, and upon this farm he lived respected and honored by all until death closed his earthly labors. He was a consistent and liberal member of the Lutheran denomination, and Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church was erected on land donated by him to that Society. He married Hester Bonnell, daugh- ter of John Bonnell, then a citizen of West Beth- lehem township, but later a resident of Ohio. To this union were born the following children: Mor- gan, John, Cephas, James Madison, Simeon B., Adam, Ann, Elizabeth and Maria; of whom are living John, James Madison (a merchant near Zollarsville), Ann (wife of H. White, also residing near Zollarsville), and Elizabeth.

John Horn was born September 28, 1833, on the farm adjoining the property on which he now resides, and grew to manhood in West Bethlehem township. Being the chief assistant of his father in his various vocations, his education was some- what limited, but he succeeded in securing not a little practicable learning. At the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, he enlisted in Com- pany D, Eighty-fifth Regiment, P. V. I., under Capt. Horn, a cousin, Col. Howell commanding. His company was encamped at Uniontown, Penn. He was in the following engagements, led by Gen. MacClellan: Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks and that known as the Seven Days' Fight before Richmond. On account of impaired health, Mr. Horn was sent to the general hospital at David's Island, N. Y., from which he was discharged after a year's service, and returning home to West Bethlehem township, he was for nearly a year un- able to work. After a time, regaining his strength, he resumed his regular vocation, that of a farmer, and he has also been engaged extensively in dealing in wool for the past twenty-five years. On May 16, 1872, Mr. Horn was married to Eliza J. Gayman, daughter of Joseph and Susanna Gayman, of West Bethlehem township. Her grandparents were Daniel and Olivia Gayman, who were pio- neers in this neighborhood and settled in Ten Mile Valley, not far from the present location of the village of Zollarsville, at an early date. Mrs. Horn has four brothers, viz. : Jacob, Thaddeus D., James and Daniel, and one sister named Emma. They all reside in Washington county, Penn. Mr. Horn and his wife have the following named children: Henry D., Joseph G., Alice M., Iris B. and Eugene, all unmarried and living at home with their parents. Politically Mr. Horn is a Repub- lican, but he has never sought office. He is now filling with credit and ability the office of school director of the township in which he re-

sides. His wife, who is a lady well known for her many virtues, her hospitality and benevolence, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ACOB ANDREWS, a representative of one of the oldest and most highly esteemed pio- neer families of Smith township, is de- scended from Irish ancestry. Jeremiah

Andrews, his grandfather, was born, reared and married in Ireland, coming to America long before 1800. They located on a wild piece of for- est . land, lying about three miles north of Bur- gettstown, Washingtown Co., Penn., no improve- ments having then been made. Here a rude cabin was hastily erected, and the couple settled per- manently in their pioneer home, where children were born as follows: Matthew, Jeremiah, Joseph, Robert, John, Elizabeth (wife of Nathan Scott), Catherine (Mrs. Scott) and Nancy (married to Andrew Carlile).

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Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 97

Author: J.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1893 Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers Number of Pages: 1540

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1540